I'm in the US Army and started this blog when I was deployed to Iraq. I've the privilege of being part of an orginization with the mission that has the potential of accomplishing something positively historical. After several months of being in Baghdad I stared this blog to share a couple of my own random thoughts/personal opinions, not directly related to current mission operations.
Let me warn you upfront - I’m going to allow my thoughts to wander freely

08 June 2007

Patriotism

I was in a meeting yesterday, when a senior Iraqi official gave a short impromptu speech on how he feels his country can rise up from under this conflict: He said that he is so incredibly impressed on how a country like America, with such extreme diversity, can unite under one flag. He feels that the people of Iraq should see themselves as Iraqis. This pride in nation is the key to stability, security and success.

I’ve had many an Iraqi tell me that the differences of the sects here are not so vast – that the rift between them is generally artificial created by those in power, or desiring authority, in an effort to create fear and intimidation. A lot of this is being influenced from outside of Iraq. Within Iraq, there are many tribes with diverse sects and even mixed marriages. Today, many of these tribes now see the evils of the insurgents and have started to work with the government of Iraq and coalition forces to defeat these groups. The Iraqi reconciliation movement is gaining momentum.

We often take our patriotism for granted – but with so many citizens so disenfranchised with the government (both executive and legislative), our American pride is not as strong as it once was as a whole country. How often have we heard some under-educated entertainer say that he/she will leave the country if “so-n-so” is elected? Yet millions of people are willing to risk their lives to get to America… where else in the world can you find such freedom and opportunity? Many thousands of local Iraqi translators go out on combat missions for years, risking not just their lives, but the safety of their family if discovered… they do this for the slim hope that they will be one of the few selected for a special visa to move to America. I have such respect for these people and such embarrassment of those entertainers with some talent, beauty, and access to a microphone, but inadequate intelligence.

I’m an optimist – with a mix of reality. Just about anyone can complain about what has been done, I like to look forward to see was can be done.

1 comment:

Anonymous
said...

As a miltary wife preparing for yet another deployment, I want to thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights. My neighbors are Molly and Bert Bernhardt and they told me about your blog. I have found myself reading it often since the sent the link. God bless you and keep you safe always. Deanna Medlin

Is our world wide military actions keeping Americans safe?

About George

I got a great job; An Officer in the US Army. I have been in over 19 years, and have spent nine(+) years of that time overseas. I have worked border patrol in West Germany, deployed to Desert Shield/Storm and Provide Comfort, the SFOR misson in Bosina and 15 months with Operation Iraqi Freedom in Baghdad. I have a BS in Criminal Justice ('95), an MA in Security Management ('01) and an MA in Military Science ('08).
EMAIL: Brown-George@US.Army.mil